Green Fashion in Mexico: Clothing made from environmental-friendly materials

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Sustainable style is a new trend in Mexico, where many clothing companies are turning to eco-friendly materials. CGTN's Alasdair Baverstock reports from Mexico.

There's a growing fashion trend, where 'green' is the new black. It's called eco-fashion, with clothing and accessories made entirely from environmentally-friendly materials. This year, fashion giant H&M launched its first eco-conscious clothing line, with many other designers promoting the movement as well.

MARIANA NAVARRO MARALGUI "The most important thing that you have to analyze before you buy something is that it doesn't make our world worse."

In Mexico City, Mariana Navarro lives eco-fashion. She's the founder of Maralgui - a company that makes designer bags from fortified, water-resistant paper.

MARIANA NAVARRO MARALGUI "I decided to make this brand that not only makes you look good with your style, but lets you contribute to our ecosystem and environment by not making it worse."

The company first developed a popular following at eco flea markets and moved online. Yet Mariana has found that with its niche product, internet sales can be more challenging.

MARIANA NAVARRO MARALGUI "People, normally with these bags, wants to touch them and see them, and see that it's resistant, because when you buy something online the fear is that it's not going to be something that was on the picture."

Despite the business challenges, eco-fashionistas vow to continue.

ALASDAIR BAVERSTOCK MEXICO CITY "The material content is key to an item of clothing or accessory qualifying as eco-friendly, and natural fibers like cotton and linen are popular, but the manufacturing process is important, too - with companies embracing fair trade and an environment that doesn't exploit workers."

Chuen Uac is the founder of an environmental organization that promotes eco-friendly projects. He's an active proponent of environmentally-conscious clothing.

CHUEN UAC NACE EL ARCOIRIS ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION "Society is far more conscious of sustainable and eco-friendly products these days, because there is more concern about the environment and their health, as they become conscious of the damage that more synthetic products do. It's magnificent that this consciousness is entering fashion, because it helps us towards a better quality of life."

As eco-conscious fashion appears more frequently on the streets of Mexico City, the hope is that its message will resonate far beyond couture culture. Alasdair Baverstock, CGTN, Mexico City.